Anti-microbials running in NPE’s “startup garage”

NPE 2015 is running a Startup Garage, which will incorporate a new firm working on anti-microbial polymers.

TiFiber develops polymers that exhibit broad-spectrum activity against bacterial species, including drug-resistant strains such as MRSA. Among potential applications are medical devices and disposables, synthetic textiles, and consumer goods.

The Startup Garage is a new initiative which has already attracted so many startup ventures that the initiative has been expanded by the SPI.

The concept was developed in partnership with the new-venture tracking firm Startup.Directory to provide startups with prominently located exhibit stations at the show, which will take place March 23-27, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. The plan originally called for a limited number of startups to be selected by show management and Startup.Directory, but with twelve startups selected and additional demand from the marketplace, SPI says it will expand the Startup Garage space and accept more applications.

Companies selected thus far will highlight innovations in bioplastics, recycling, 3D printing, polymerization, resin processing, and antimicrobial polymers. Three of the startups report developments in the burgeoning field of graphenes—two-dimensional carbon-atom nanostructures that can be used for formulating plastics composites with dramatically enhanced properties.

“The response to our call for applicants has been met with an enthusiastic response by new companies doing exciting things at the forefront of polymer technology,” said Brad Williams, SPI’s director of trade show sales and marketing. “While some of these startups propose new ways to address pressing issues involving renewable resources and waste reduction, others offer enhancements of plastics manufacture and product performance. The quality of the exhibitors so far has led us to extend the call for more.”